US3750359A

US3750359A - Expansion joint cover assembly

Info

Publication number: US3750359A
Application number: US00259567A
Authority: US
Inventors: C Balzer; E Corman; A Reiff
Original assignee: Balco Inc
Current assignee: Balco International Inc
Priority date: 1972-06-05
Filing date: 1972-06-05
Publication date: 1973-08-07
Anticipated expiration: 1990-08-07

Abstract

An expansion joint cover assembly for covering an elongate expansion joint between adjacent and spaced apart structural sections. The assembly includes support members mounted on the structural sections with an elongate rigid arcuate plate member engaging the support members. The rigid plate member overlies the joint and has a greater width with lateral portions engaging the support members in such a manner as to permit relative movement between the structural sections in any direction with the rigid plate member covering the joint and maintaining its load carrying capability.

Description

alzer et at,

[ Augfi, 11973 EXPANSHON JDHN'H COVER AfiSEMlBLY [75] Inventors: Claude 1P. Ballet; Edward M.

Corman Almer A. Reillll, all of Wichita, Kans.

[73] Assignee: Balco, lnc., Wichita, Kans.

[22] Filed: June 5, 11972 [21] Appl. No.: 259,567

[52] US. Cl 52/468, 52/278, 52/396, 52/573, 404/57, 404/67 [51] Int. Cl. E0411 11/68, E04c 11/02 [58] Field of Search 52/468, 396, 573, 52/464, 395, 463, 467, 466, 278; 404/56, 58,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,344,720 10/1967 Hallock 404/47 3,371,456 3/1968 Balzer et a1 52/278 3,390,501 7/1968 Driggers 404/47 X 3,394,639 7/1968 Viehmann 404/47 3,417,528 12/1968 l-lallock 404/47 X 3,659,390 5/1972 Balzer et al 52/396 X irimezxwyt 17E211 J 1 M r Attorney-Claude A. lFishburn, Orville 0. Gold et a1.

{57] AESTRNC'IF An expansion joint cover assembly for covering an elongate expansion joint between adjacent and spaced apart structural sections. The assembly includes support members mounted on the structural sections with an elongate rigid arcuate plate member engaging the support members. The rigid plate member overlies the joint and has a greater width with lateral portions engaging the support members in such a manner as to permit relative movement between the structural sections in any direction with the rigid plate member covering the joint and maintaining its load carrying capability.

10 (Italians, 4 Drawing Figures PAIENIE we H975 sum 2 or 2 h. .0 TV

EXPANSION JOINT COVER ASSEMBLY The present invention relates to expansion joint cover assemblies and more particularly to heavy duty expansion joint cover assemblies for covering the joint between adjacent portions of spaced structural sections which may vary in position relative to each other.

In building structures of monolithic concrete, concrete blocks, bricks and the like, it is necessary to provide relatively long walls, ceilings and floors with expansion joints to prevent cracks due to expansion and contraction of the structural sections. Earth movement due to earthquake and other phenomena, either natural or unnatural, can cause relative movement between adjacent sections of a building and expansion joints must be provided to prevent cracking of the building sections. Expansion joints are quite useful and prevent costly building repair due to cracks, but unless they are covered they present as much a problem as the ones they alleviate. Many arrangements of strips to cover expansion joints have been made to make attractive and functional coverings. Previous cover structures and mountings have not singly been capable of handling all conditions.

The principal objects of this invention are: to provide an expansion joint cover assembly to cover expansion joints between spaced building sections such as floors and floors and walls which eliminate the above men tioned difficulties; to provide such an expansion joint cover assembly adapted to cover an expansion joint between adjacent structural sections having concrete, masonry, asphalt or metal or combinations thereof with portions of the assembly accommodating realtive movement between the adjacent structural sections in any direction; to provide such an expansion joint cover assembly that the load carrying capacity is not appreciably affected by relative movement between the adjacent building structures; to provide such an expansion joint cover assembly with load bearing support members providing for a high load capacity and a compact assembly; to provide such an expansion joint cover assembly with an elongate rigid plate member to overly the expansion joint that is designed to carry large loads with a minimum of material that will remain substantially in the same plane of at least one of the adjacent building structures thereby maintaining a smooth planar surface, eliminating the need for filler strips and that requires no resilient or spring members to hold the cover plate in place; to provide such an expansion joint cover assembly that is attractive, easy and inexpensive to manufacture, that requires a minimal number of parts and that is easy to install and repair; and to provide such an expansion joint cover assembly that is narrow in width, requiring a minimum of floor space for installation.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth by way of illustration and example certain embodiments of this invention.

FIG. 1 is atransverse sectional view of the expansion joint cover assembly and adjacent floor portions.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of an expansion joint cover assembly in place on a building floor in covering relation to an expansion joint between adjacent building floor sections.

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view of a form of the expansion joint cover assembly and adjacent wall and floor portions.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a form of the expansion joint cover assembly in place to cover an expansion joint between angularly disposed building sections.

Referring more in detail to the drawings:

Detailed embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein as required. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and that the invention may be embodied in many forms different from the illustrative embodiments presented herewith. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims that actually define the scope of this invention.

The reference numeral 1 designates generally an expansion joint cover assembly overlying and covering an elongate expansion joint or space 2 between adjacent portions of a building structure having structural sections 3 and 4 spaced apart and separated by the expansion joint or space 2. The structural sections 3 and 4 may be floor, wall or ceiling sections and may be constructed from monolithic concrete, building blocks, bricks, metal, asphalt, or any combination thereof or other suitable materials. The expansion joint cover assembly l is adapted to permit and accommodate relative movement between the adjacent structural sections 3 and 4 in any direction. In the form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the structural sections 3 and 4 preferably have outer surfaces 5 and 6 and

recesses

7 and 8 respectively with the expansion joint cover assembly ll arranged therewith to cover the expansion joint 2 therebetween.

The expansion joint cover assembly 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 includes an elongate rigid base or channel member 9 secured to each of the structural sections in opposed relation. In the structure illustrated base members 9 are positioned in

recesses

7 and 8 of the respective sections 3 and 4. The base members 9 are preferably formed of metal and of a structure adapted for extension. Each has a portion or wall member 10 generally perpendicular to an upper face 1 l thereto that is substantially flush with the respective upper surface portions 5 or 6. The wall member 10 engages recess surface 12 and has a bottom wall member or portion l3, engaging the respective lower recess surface 14 or 15, extending generally perpendicular to the wall member 10 and terminating in a face portion 16 that is substantially flush with the

surface

17 or 18 of the structural section 3 or 4 respectively.

The base member 9 has an integral rigid support or wall member 19 extending upwardly and generally perpendicular to the bottom wall member 13 and is positioned adjacent to the

respective surface

17 or 18 and has a curved free elongate edge 20.

The rigid support members 19 of the base members 9 provides support for an elongate arcuate rigid cover orplate member 22. The support members 19 are positioned as close as practicable to the joint 2 thereby decreasing or minimizing the distance that the plate member 22 must span between the support members 19 thereby tending to maximize the load carrying capability of the plate member 22. The free edges 20 of the support members 19 engage a lower surface 23 of the cover member providing support therefor. The arcuate shape of the cover member 22 eliminates the need for filler strips to maintain a smooth surface across the expansion joint cover assembly 1.

In the illustrated structure of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the lower or inner surface 23 of the plate member 22 is contoured or arcuate and diverges downwardly and is in covering relation to the joint 2. The plate member 22 has an upper surface 24 corresponding in shape or contour to the lower surface 23 whereby the plate member is substantially uniform in thickness for reasons as later described herein.

An elongate plate or top wall member 25 is secured to the base member 9 and has an upper surface 26 that is substantially flush with the surface 11 of the base member 9. A notch or groove 27 forms a corner recessed below the surface 11 by having a surface 28 perpendicular to the surface 11 and a surface 29 extending perpendicularly from the surface 28. The surface 29 has an elongate groove or way 30 receiving therein an elongate rib 31 of the lower surface 32 of the plate member 26, the rib 31 and the groove 30 cooperate to position the plate member 25 with the base member 9. The plate member 25 has a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures 33 registering with apertures 34 in the base member 9 receiving securing devices 35 such as screws to secure the plate member 32 to the base member 9. The screws 35 preferably have tapered heads fitting in countersunk portions thereby providing a smooth surface. The plate member 25 has a portion 36 extending over the plate member 22 and has a free edge 37 terminating approximately over the support member 19 in the illustrated structure in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The spacing between the portions 36 and support member 19 is sufficient to allow the arcuate plate member 22 to move freely therebetween, and the plate member is of sufficient strength to prevent the plate member 25 from bending or flexing excessively if it is overloaded. The uniform thickness of the arcuate plate 22 maintains a constant uniform clearance between the plate member 25 and the plate 22 preventing dirt and the like from entering the assembly and minimizes slop therebetween. The plate members 25 and the plate member 22 provide a substantially smooth and uninterrupted surface between the adjacent structural sections 3 and 4.

Relative movement of the structural sections 3 and 4 may tend to move the plate member 22 off center with the joint 2. The lower surface 23 of the plate member 22 is provided with spaced apart elongate ribs 38 to engage the free edges 20 of the support members 19 and resist movement of the plate member 22 to off center position. The ribs 38 also tend to prevent transverse movement of the plate 22 when vehicular traffic goes over the plate 22 whereby the tires or the like ofa vehicle might tend to force the plate 22 in a direction opposite to the movement of the vehicular traffic.

Decorations may be added to the upper surface 26 of each plate member 25 and the upper surface 24 of the plate member 22 to make the joint more sightly or as in the illustrated structure of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 a series of ridges 39 or other similar markings or protuberances are added to the

surfaces

24 and 26 to provide for attractive or friction surfaces on the expansion joint cover assembly 1.

A U-shaped channel or anchor member is formed in the base member 9 by the support member 19 and the portions and 13 and provides for drainage of the expansion joint cover assembly 1 by catching and conveying any moisture that runs off the plate 22 conveying the moisture to a suitable disposal point or means (not shown). It may also be desirable to have a gutter or sea] member 40 secured to the opposed base members 9 to collect and convey moisture passing between the structural sections 3 and 4. The base member 9 has an elongate groove 41 between the surface 16 and the support member 19 receiving therein a flange portion 42 of the groove 43 of the gutter member 40. The flange portion 44 of the groove 41 is received within the groove 43 thereby securing the edges 45 of the gutter member 40 to the base members 9.

It is desirable that the base members 9, the arcuate plate member 22 and the top wall member 25 be suitably shaped so as to permit their manufacture by an extrusion process and would be preferably extruded from metal such as aluminum or brass.

The expansion joint cover assembly 1 is particularly adapted to cover a joint between two sections of floor. The sections of floor may both be new or one floor section may be old and the other floor section may be a new section as when adding an addition to an older building structure.

Securing the base member 9 within a respective recess is preferably done by positioning the base member 9 in the pouring forms adjacent to the joint 2 and having anchor bolt heads 46 received within an elongate longitudinal T-shaped slot 47 and having the shank 48 engaging the bolt head 46 extending therefrom and being cast in the respective structural section 3 and 4 thereby securing in the base member 9 in position. One such method being that one of the

base member portions

10 and 13 having a plurality of through apertures (not shown) spaced apart longitudinally therealong in aligned relation to threaded bushings (not shown) secured in the structural sections and have a bolt (not shown) received therethrough to threadably engage the bushings to secure the base member 10 in position. Another method would use the slot 49 having parallel walls 50 in opposed relation defining a space therebetween. The walls 50 have a series of V-shaped ribs 51 and valleys 52 thereon. The ribs 51 and valleys 52 on one wall 50 are positioned opposite the valleys 52 and the ribs 51 of the opposite wall 50 thereby forming an elongate slot to threadably receive a threaded shank or bolt (not shown) having a diameter corresponding to the width of the slot 49 and having a pitch corresponding to the pitch of the ribs 51 and the valleys 52. Anchor bolts or the like (not shown) would be threadably received in the slot 49 and have a shank (not shown) secured in the respective structural sections 3 or 5 securing the base member 9 in position.

Installation of the expansion joint cover assembly 1 includes mounting of a base 9 in each of the

recesses

7 and 8 of the structural sections 3 and 4 by securing the base member 9 and the anchor bolts in position within the forms during construction of the respective structural section when the concrete is poured as discussed or by mounting the base member 9 to a finished structural section by expansion bolts (not shown). After the base member 9 is mounted in a respective

structural section

7 or 8, the gutter member 40 is installed and the rigid cover member 22 is then installed over the joint to rest in place on the support members 19. A plate member 25 is positioned on each base member 9 and the apertures 33 are aligned with the respective threaded holes 34 and the bolts 35 are installed securing a plate member 25 to each base member 9 completing the installation.

To provide a smooth uninterrupted surface between the structural section 3 and 4, the upper surface 26 of each plate member 25 is substantially flush with the upper surface portion 5 or 6 of the respective structural sections 3 and 4 and the free edge 37 of the plate member 25 tapers outwardly and downwardly from the surface 26 to eliminate a sharp corner providing a smooth transition from the upper surface 26 of the plate members 25 and the upper surface 24 of the contoured rigid plate member 22. Preferably the plate member 22 has an elongate substantially flat or mid portion 53 on the upper surface 24 centrally located between the edges of the plate member 22. This flat portion 53 varies in elevation depending on the width or separation of the joint 2 as the structural sections 3 and 4 move during expansion and contraction. But, because of the small angular disposition of the lower surface 23 from a horizontal plane, the flat portion 53 is maintained substantially flush with the upper surface 26 of the flange member 25.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrate an embodiment of the expansion joint cover assembly l for use in a corner to cover an elongate expansion joint 54 between

structural sections

55 and 56 in generally perpendicular relation and spaced apart forming the expansion joint 54 therebetween. A base member 9 is mounted or secured in a recess 57 of the structural section 5 and is the same in construction to the

recess

7 or 8 as previously described wherein the surface 13 terminates at a face 66 that forms one side of the expansion joint 54. In the illustrated structure of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the base member 9 is secured in the recess 57 the same as the base member 9 is secured in the

recess

7 or 8.

A base member or channel member 62 having a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures 63 corresponding in position to a like plurality of threaded bushings 64 recessed in and secured to the structural section 56. Securing devices 65 such as bolts are received through the apertures 63 and threadably engage the threaded bushing 64 securing the base member 62 to the structural section 56.

To cover the expansion joint 54 an elongate arcuate rigid cover or plate member 66 extends between, engaging and being supported by the support member 119 of the base member 9 and the base member 62. A pivotal connection between the base member 62 and the cover plate 66 is provided in the form of an elongate hinged structure connecting same. A generally cylindrical elongate groove or chamber 67 is positioned on the outer surface 68 of the bracket 62 and is formed by elongate longitudinal arcuate fingers or members 69 and 70 extending from the bracket 62 and communicating with an elongate slot 71 between the free ends or edges of the

fingers

69 and 76. The inner surface of the groove 67 would preferably circumscribe more than a semi-circle. An elongate flange or rib 72 is integral with and extends from the cover plate 66 and has a generally cylindrical enlarged portion 73, forming an elongate longitudinal free edge thereon. The enlarged cylindrical portion 73 preferably would also circumscribe, cross sectionally, more than a semi-circle. The cylindrical portion 73 is smaller than the groove 67 and is mounted therein, the flange 72 extending through the slot 71. The slot 71l is wider than the flange 72 is thick thereby allowing the plate 66 to pivot in the groove 67 without binding or interference and because the groove 67 and the enlarged cylindrical portion 73 both circumscribed more than a semi-circle and the enlarged portion 73 is wider than the spacing of the slot 71. They are secured together and unable to separate. In the illustrated structure, the flange member 72 and the slot 71 are disposed upwardly at an angle from the vertical, say 36 to 45 degrees.

The support member T9 of the base member 9 engages the inclined lower or inner surface 74 .of the plate 66 providing support therefor. Preferably, the support member 119 and groove 67 are positioned adjacent to and as close as practicable to the joint 54 decreasing the unsupported distance that the plate member 66 must span thereby tending to maximize the load carrying capacity of the plate member 66. The upper surface 75 of the plate member 66 inclines downwardly and outwardly and substantially corresponds to the contour of of the lower surface 74 providing for a uniformally thick plate. Because the plate member 66 is arcuate, no filler strips are required to provide a substantially smooth surface across the expansion joint cover assembly II. A plate member 25 is secured to the base member 9 as previously discussed and has an upper surface 26 substantially flush with the surface portion 61 of the structural section 55. The lower surface 32 of the plate member 25 is substantially parallel with the upper surface 26 and is angularly disposed with the surface 75 of the plate 66 thereby permitting pivotal movement of the plate 66 during relative movement of the

structural section

55 and 56, thereby preventing any interference between the lower surface 32 and the surface 75 during said relative multidirectional movement. The

surfaces

74 and 75 also are in spaced relation to the other wall members of the base member 9.

In the illustrated structure in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the upper surface 75 of the plate 66 preferably has an elongate flat or mid portion 76 substantially flush with the surface 61 of the structural section 55, and extends transversely from a corner 77 of the plate 66 say for approximately one-fourth of the width of the plate 66. To prevent the corner 77 from contacting the surface 68 of the base member 62 during pivotal movement of the plate 66 thereby causing interference, an elongate groove or way 76 is provided in the base member 62 which eliminates an exposed vertical space between the corner 77 and the base member 62 while still permitting substantial pivotal movement of the cover plate member 6 without interference. The elimination of the vertical space prevents dirt and other matter from interferring with the pivotal movement by becoming entrapped between the cover plate 66 and the plate member 62.

A U shaped channel is formed in the base member 9 as previously described to provide drainage for the expansion joint cover assembly II to convey moisture to a convenient drainage point (not shown). It may also be desired to have a gutter member 79 secured between the bracket 62 and the base member 9. To collect and convey moisture passing between the

structural sections

55 and 56. The base member 9 has an elongate groove 411 and the base member 62 has a similar elongate groove 66 being disposed generally pen pendicular to the groove 46 and positioned adjacent to the lower end 66 of the base member 62. The gutter 79 has two flanges 62 spaced apart forming a groove 63 on each edge of the gutter 79. The outermost flange 82 on each edge of the gutter 79 is tightly received within the

respective groove

41 or 80 and the flange 44 of the groove 41 and the flange 82 of the groove 80 are tightly received in the respective groove 83 securing the gutter 79 between the base member 9 and the base member 62.

The expansion joint cover assembly 1 covering the expansion joint 54 may be decorated or provided with ridges 84 or the like on the

surfaces

26 and 76 for the same reasons they are provided for the joint cover assembly 1 covering the expansion joint 2.

The base member 9, plate member 25, cover member 66 and the base member 62 preferably would be in shapes adapted to permit their manufacture by an extrusion process and would be preferably extruded from metal such as aluminum or brass.

In installing the expansion joint cover assembly 1, the first step would be to secure the base member 9 in the recess 57 similar to the installation of the base member 9 in the

recess

7 or 8 as previously discussed. Preferably the plate member 66 and the base member 62 would be assembled at the factory and shipped to the construction site in one section, the base member 62 is then secured to the structual section 56 and by pivoting the plate member 66 upwardly the gutter member 79 can then be installed. After lowering the plate member 66 to engage the support member 26, the plate member 25 may then be secured in place over the plate member 66, completing the installation of the expansion joint.

It is to be understood that while I have illustrated and described certain forms of my invention, it is not to be limited to these specific forms or arrangement of parts herein described and shown except to the extent that such limitations are set forth in the claims.

What we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent 1. An expansion joint cover assembly for a joint formed by spaced structural sections, said assembly comprising:

a. elongate base members secured respectively to adjacent structural sections, said structural sections having a joint therebetween, at least one of said base members including a plurality of spaced apart wall members extending longitudinally for the length thereof and defining a cavity therein, a certain wall member having an elongate slot therein communicating with said cavity and opening toward said other base member, said slot being defined by upper and lower wall edges;

b. an elongate arcuate cover member extending across said joint and having a mid-portion and lateral side portions with at least one lateral side portion inclined downwardly and outwardly of the mid-portion of said cover member, said inclined lateral side portion extending through said elongate slot into the cavity of the respective base member and being in spaced relation to said wall members defining said cavity;

c. said one inclined lateral side portion slidably and pivotally engaging the lower edge defining said slot, said wall edge being in supporting relation to said one inclined lateral side portion, said other lateral side portion being pivotally associated with said other base member and being supported thereby, whereby said assembly of base members and cover member maintains covering relation to said joint during multi-directional movement between said structural sections.

2. An expansion joint cover assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein:

a. said other base member having a plurality of spaced apart wall members extending longitudinally for the length thereof forming a cavity therein, a said wall member having an elongate slot therein communicating with said cavity and facing toward said one base member, said slot being defined by upper and lower wall edge portions of said other base member;

b. said cover member other lateral side portion being inclined downwardly and outwardly of said midportion and extending through the slot in said other base member and being in spaced relation to the wall members defining the cavity in said other base member;

c. said other inclined lateral side portion slidably and pivotally engaging the lower wall edge defining said respective slot, said other base member slot lower wall edge being in supporting relation thereto.

3. An expansion joint cover assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein:

a. said other base member having an elongate groove extending longitudinally the length thereof opening generally toward said one base member;

b. said other lateral side portion having an elongate member projecting therefrom and extending longitudinally the length thereof, said member extending into said elongate groove cooperating therewith to provide pivotal association between same;

c. means retaining said elongate member within said elongate groove to prevent withdrawal therefrom.

4. An expansion joint cover assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein:

a. said elongate cover member including a plurality of spaced apart protuberances on a lower surface of said lateral side portions for engaging said lower wall edge and resisting lateral movement of said cover member.

5. An expansion joint cover assembly for a joint formed by spaced apart structural sections, said assembly comprising:

a. first and second elongate channel members secured respectively to adjacent and spaced apart structural sections, said first channel member including a subchannel member having a bottom wall and laterally spaced upright wall members thereon, a top wall member removably secured to one said upright wall member, said wall members defining an elongate cavity therein, said top wall member having an elongate free edge portion generally above and in spaced relation to a free edge portion of the other upright wall member, said free edges defining an elongate slot facing toward said second channel member and communicating with said cavity, said wall members extending longitudinally the length of said first channel member;

b. an elongate arcuate cover member extending across said joint having a mid-portion with opposite lateral side portions extending therefrom, and having upper and lower surfaces, at least one said lateral side portion being inclined downwardly and outwardly of said mid-portion extending through said elongate slot, said lower surface slidably and pivotally engaging the free edge of said other upclaim wherein:

said second channel member including a second sub-channel member formed by laterally spaced upright elongate side wall members and a bottom wall member extending therebetween and including an elongate top wall member removably secured to one said second sub-channel side wall member, said last named wall'members extending longitudinally the length of said second channel member and defining an elongate cavity therebetween, the second channel top wall member having a free edge portion generally above and in relative spaced relation to a free edge portion of the last named other side wall member, said free edges defining an elongate slot therebetween facing toward said first channel member and communicating with said cavity;

said other lateral side portion being inclined downwardly and outwardly of said mid-portion extending through said second channel member elongate slot, said inclined portion being in spaced relation to the second channel member wall members, the lower surface slidably and pivotally engaging the free edge of the second channel other side wall member and being supported thereby.

An expansion joint cover assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein:

b. said structural sections each having an outer surface portion disposed in angular relation to a respective surface defining said joint, said top wall members each having an outer surface being substantially flush with a respective structural section outer surface;

. said mid-portion being substantially flat and being substantially flush with said top wall member outer surface forming a smooth surface transversly thereacross;

. said cover member lower surface opening downwardly and including a plurality of transversly spaced ribs extending longitudinally the length of said cover member, said ribs engaging respective other side wall members free edges urging said cover member to maintain a centrally located position over said joint;

said sub-channels other side walls free edges each being transversly rounded;

said sub-channels one side wall members, each having an upper surface portion with an elongate way therein;

an elongate rib portion on a lower surface of each said top wall member cooperatively engaging a respective way;

each said top wall member free edge portion having an inclined portion extending downwardly and outwardly of said top wall member upper surface to eliminate a sharp comer at each said free edge portion;

i. said top wall members, sub-channel members and cover member shapes being adapted to their manufacture by an extrusion process;

j. said top wall members outer surfaces and the cover member flat portion having means thereon to provide a traction surface;

k. said side wall members and bottom wall members of each sub-channel member being integral.

8. An expansion joint cover assembly as set forth in 10 claim 5 wherein:

a. said second channel member including elongate longitudinally extending members in spaced relation, said members each having a free edge portion in spaced relation defining a slot therebetween and having an arcuate surface extending from and between said members free edges defining transversly enlarged elongate chamber, said last named slot communicating with said elongate chamber;

b. said other lateral side portion having an elongate flange projecting therefrom and extending longitudinally the length of said cover member, said flange having an enlarged free edge portion, said enlarged free edge portion cooperatively engaging said enlarged chamber providing the cooperativepivotal engagement, said enlarged free edge portion being transversly larger than the width of said second channel member slot thereby preventing separation of the cover member and the second channel member.

9. An expansion joint cover assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein:

a. said first channel member being recessed in a said respective structural section;

b. said first channel member structural sections having an outer surface portion being angularly disposed to the respective surface forming said joint, an outer surface of said top wall member being substantially flush with the outer surface portion of the respective structural section;

c. said mid portion including a substantially flat portion being substantially flush with said top wall member outer surface;

d. means on said top wall outer surface and said flat portion providing a traction surface;

c. said sub-channel other side wall member free edge being transversly rounded;

f. said sub-channel one wall member having an upper surface portion with an elongate way therein;

g. an elongate rib portion on a lower surface of said top wall member in cooperative engagement with said elongate way;

h. the top wall member free edge having a portion thereof inclined downwardly and outwardly of the top wall member upper surface eliminating a sharp corner at said free edge portion;

i. the top wall member, sub-channel member, second channel member and cover member shapes being adapted to their manufacture by an extrusion process.

M. An expansion joint cover assembly as set forth in claim d wherein:

a. said other lateral side portion having an elongate corner portion adjacent to said mid-portion;

b. an elongate way in said second channel member positioned adjacent to said corner portion having said corner portion extending therein.

I! t t t t

Claims

1. An expansion joint cover assembly for a joint formed by spaced structural sections, said assembly comprising: a. elongate base members Secured respectively to adjacent structural sections, said structural sections having a joint therebetween, at least one of said base members including a plurality of spaced apart wall members extending longitudinally for the length thereof and defining a cavity therein, a certain wall member having an elongate slot therein communicating with said cavity and opening toward said other base member, said slot being defined by upper and lower wall edges; b. an elongate arcuate cover member extending across said joint and having a mid-portion and lateral side portions with at least one lateral side portion inclined downwardly and outwardly of the mid-portion of said cover member, said inclined lateral side portion extending through said elongate slot into the cavity of the respective base member and being in spaced relation to said wall members defining said cavity; c. said one inclined lateral side portion slidably and pivotally engaging the lower edge defining said slot, said wall edge being in supporting relation to said one inclined lateral side portion, said other lateral side portion being pivotally associated with said other base member and being supported thereby, whereby said assembly of base members and cover member maintains covering relation to said joint during multidirectional movement between said structural sections.

2. An expansion joint cover assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein: a. said other base member having a plurality of spaced apart wall members extending longitudinally for the length thereof forming a cavity therein, a said wall member having an elongate slot therein communicating with said cavity and facing toward said one base member, said slot being defined by upper and lower wall edge portions of said other base member; b. said cover member other lateral side portion being inclined downwardly and outwardly of said mid-portion and extending through the slot in said other base member and being in spaced relation to the wall members defining the cavity in said other base member; c. said other inclined lateral side portion slidably and pivotally engaging the lower wall edge defining said respective slot, said other base member slot lower wall edge being in supporting relation thereto.

3. An expansion joint cover assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein: a. said other base member having an elongate groove extending longitudinally the length thereof opening generally toward said one base member; b. said other lateral side portion having an elongate member projecting therefrom and extending longitudinally the length thereof, said member extending into said elongate groove cooperating therewith to provide pivotal association between same; c. means retaining said elongate member within said elongate groove to prevent withdrawal therefrom.

4. An expansion joint cover assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein: a. said elongate cover member including a plurality of spaced apart protuberances on a lower surface of said lateral side portions for engaging said lower wall edge and resisting lateral movement of said cover member.

5. An expansion joint cover assembly for a joint formed by spaced apart structural sections, said assembly comprising: a. first and second elongate channel members secured respectively to adjacent and spaced apart structural sections, said first channel member including a subchannel member having a bottom wall and laterally spaced upright wall members thereon, a top wall member removably secured to one said upright wall member, said wall members defining an elongate cavity therein, said top wall member having an elongate free edge portion generally above and in spaced relation to a free edge portion of the other upright wall member, said free edges defining an elongate slot facing toward said second channel member and communicating with said cavity, said wall members extending longitudinally the length of said first channel member; b. an elongate arcuate cover member exteNding across said joint having a mid-portion with opposite lateral side portions extending therefrom, and having upper and lower surfaces, at least one said lateral side portion being inclined downwardly and outwardly of said mid-portion extending through said elongate slot, said lower surface slidably and pivotally engaging the free edge of said other upright wall member whereby said other upright wall member is in supporting relation to said inclined portion; c. said second channel member being in cooperative pivotal engagement with said other lateral side portion and being in supporting relation thereto.

6. An expansion joint cover assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein: a. said second channel member including a second sub-channel member formed by laterally spaced upright elongate side wall members and a bottom wall member extending therebetween and including an elongate top wall member removably secured to one said second sub-channel side wall member, said last named wall members extending longitudinally the length of said second channel member and defining an elongate cavity therebetween, the second channel top wall member having a free edge portion generally above and in relative spaced relation to a free edge portion of the last named other side wall member, said free edges defining an elongate slot therebetween facing toward said first channel member and communicating with said cavity; b. said other lateral side portion being inclined downwardly and outwardly of said mid-portion extending through said second channel member elongate slot, said inclined portion being in spaced relation to the second channel member wall members, the lower surface slidably and pivotally engaging the free edge of the second channel other side wall member and being supported thereby.

7. An expansion joint cover assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein: a. said first and second channel members being recessed in said respective adjacent structural sections; b. said structural sections each having an outer surface portion disposed in angular relation to a respective surface defining said joint, said top wall members each having an outer surface being substantially flush with a respective structural section outer surface; c. said mid-portion being substantially flat and being substantially flush with said top wall member outer surface forming a smooth surface transversly thereacross; d. said cover member lower surface opening downwardly and including a plurality of transversly spaced ribs extending longitudinally the length of said cover member, said ribs engaging respective other side wall members'' free edges urging said cover member to maintain a centrally located position over said joint; e. said sub-channels other side walls'' free edges each being transversly rounded; f. said sub-channels one side wall members, each having an upper surface portion with an elongate way therein; g. an elongate rib portion on a lower surface of each said top wall member cooperatively engaging a respective way; h. each said top wall member free edge portion having an inclined portion extending downwardly and outwardly of said top wall member upper surface to eliminate a sharp corner at each said free edge portion; i. said top wall members'', sub-channel members'' and cover member shapes being adapted to their manufacture by an extrusion process; j. said top wall members'' outer surfaces and the cover member flat portion having means thereon to provide a traction surface; k. said side wall members and bottom wall members of each sub-channel member being integral.

8. An expansion joint cover assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein: a. said second channel member including elongate longitudinally extending members in spaced relation, said members each having a free edge portion in spaced relation defining a slot therebetween and having an arcuate surface extending from and between said members free edges defining Transversly enlarged elongate chamber, said last named slot communicating with said elongate chamber; b. said other lateral side portion having an elongate flange projecting therefrom and extending longitudinally the length of said cover member, said flange having an enlarged free edge portion, said enlarged free edge portion cooperatively engaging said enlarged chamber providing the cooperative pivotal engagement, said enlarged free edge portion being transversly larger than the width of said second channel member slot thereby preventing separation of the cover member and the second channel member.

9. An expansion joint cover assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein: a. said first channel member being recessed in a said respective structural section; b. said first channel member structural sections having an outer surface portion being angularly disposed to the respective surface forming said joint, an outer surface of said top wall member being substantially flush with the outer surface portion of the respective structural section; c. said mid portion including a substantially flat portion being substantially flush with said top wall member outer surface; d. means on said top wall outer surface and said flat portion providing a traction surface; e. said sub-channel other side wall member free edge being transversly rounded; f. said sub-channel one wall member having an upper surface portion with an elongate way therein; g. an elongate rib portion on a lower surface of said top wall member in cooperative engagement with said elongate way; h. the top wall member free edge having a portion thereof inclined downwardly and outwardly of the top wall member upper surface eliminating a sharp corner at said free edge portion; i. the top wall member, sub-channel member, second channel member and cover member shapes being adapted to their manufacture by an extrusion process.

10. An expansion joint cover assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein: a. said other lateral side portion having an elongate corner portion adjacent to said mid-portion; b. an elongate way in said second channel member positioned adjacent to said corner portion having said corner portion extending therein.